Bread Machine Italian Bread is so delicious and easy! Just add the ingredients to the bread maker and program it. A fresh loaf of the best white bread will be ready for you in a few hours! It's the most convenient of my Italian Bread Recipes.
If you're looking for a set-it-and-forget-it recipe, Bread Machine Italian Bread is for you!
It may not look as attractive as a loaf from the oven, but the flavor is on point! The crust is thinner but crispy, and the inside is tender and fresh-tasting. Use this bread for corned beef sandwiches, toast and more!
Why use a bread machine?
A bread machine offers convenience, especially if you're at work all day and want to come home to a fresh loaf. You just add the ingredients to the bread maker, then program it to start right away or delay it for hours.
The machine will stop when the bread is done and keep it warm for up to a few hours. It's like using a Crock-Pot, but for bread!
And if you don't have a bread maker, be sure to try this easy Artisan Italian Bread!
Recipe ingredients
Bread Flour: It's important to use flour with a high protein level (12%-14%) when using a bread machine. Bread flour (affiliate link) contains more protein than all-purpose flour and will develop the gluten better, producing a higher rise. Don't substitute all-purpose flour.
Yeast: Any type of yeast will work in a bread machine. I always use instant yeast, sometimes sold as "bread machine yeast," or "rapid rise" yeast. When using a bread maker, add the yeast in a corner of the machine, away from the salt. Salt inhibits the yeast.
You can use active dry yeast in your bread machine without proofing it, as long as you use fresh yeast (open a new packet with a distant expiration date.)
Oil: Oil tenderizes the dough. I prefer using olive oil to make Italian bread. If needed, you could use canola or vegetable oil.
How to make it
See the card at the end of this post for the full recipe, but here's an overview.
- Add the water and olive oil to the machine, followed by the flour and sugar. Add the salt to the corner of the pan. Make a well and add the yeast last.
- Set the machine to the Basic or White setting, then choose Dark for the crust. Press start. The bread may take up to 3 hours and 20 minutes to make, depending on your machine.
Bread machine tips
- Carefully measure all of the ingredients as directed, because any variance can affect the outcome.
- Make sure the kneading paddle is pushed down all the way before adding the ingredients. If not, the paddle(s) won't turn when the bread machine is on.
- Pay attention to the order you add the ingredients to the machine, following the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, the liquid must go in first, followed by the flour and sugar, and the yeast must be last.
Ways to use bread machine Italian bread
Bread maker Italian bread is perfect for generously sized sandwiches! Try it with basil mayo and homemade turkey lunch meat or Italian Chicken Cutlets.
For a fun appetizer, cut it into strips and dunk it in bread dipping oil.
It also makes delicious toast and the best Italian Bread French Toast!
And, you could use it for this Italian bread crumbs recipe or to make stuffing, croutons, etc. Everything tastes better with homemade bread!
Using a bread machine just to make dough
You can use the dough setting on your bread machine just to mix, knead and rise the Italian bread dough. (Be sure to read the directions for your bread maker.)
Then, you can proceed to let the dough rise a second time, following the instructions for this Homemade Italian Bread recipe all the way to the end. That recipe calls for baking the bread with a pan of hot water on the bottom rack of the oven to create steam.
You'll end up with a crispier, browner crust than if you used the bread machine from start to finish.
Choosing a bread machine
Bread machines come with either a square loaf pan or a rectangular pan. Our bread machine is at least 20 years old and produces square loaves, as you can see in the photos.
If you're interested in a square loaf machine, the Cuisinart Compact & Automatic (affiliate link), has great reviews and is known for being easy to use.
If you'd rather have rectangular loaves of bread, newer models have elongated loaf pans with two kneading paddles instead of one. The Zojirushi Home Bakery Virtuoso Plus (affiliate link) is highly rated but does take up more counter space.
More recipes to try
- Garlic and Rosemary Focaccia
- Beer Pizza Dough with Yeast
- Easy Beer Bread without Yeast
- Quick Burger Buns
- 50 Best Bread Machine Recipes
Enjoy!
If you try this recipe for Bread Machine Italian Bread, please leave a comment and a rating!
Bread Machine Italian Bread
Equipment
Ingredients
- 9 ½ ounces lukewarm water (1 cup + 3 Tablespoons, 90-100 degrees F)
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups bread flour (measure by spooning into cup and leveling off with a knife)
- 2 teaspoons granulated sugar
- 1 ½ teaspoons salt
- 1 ½ teaspoons instant yeast (or fresh, active dry yeast added without proofing)
Instructions
- Make sure the kneading paddle of your bread machine is pressed down all the way. Add all of the ingredients to the bread pan in the specific order stated in the instructions for your machine. (Most machines say to add the liquids first, then the flour and sugar. The salt should be added to a corner of the pan. Make a well in the center and add the yeast last.)
- Lock the bread pan into the machine by turning it counterclockwise into place (or follow the instructions for your machine). Make sure the handle of the pan is down and close the lid. Plug in the bread maker and press the Basic or White bread button. Set the bread color to Dark. Press Start, and the machine will begin mixing the dough.
- Depending on your machine, it should take about 3 hours and 20 minutes for the bread to be finished. Don't open the lid during that time. When the bread is done, remove the pan (wear oven gloves/mitts) and let it sit for five minutes. Then, shake the pan gently and turn it over to release the bread onto a cooling rack. Wait 30 minutes before slicing it.
- Store the bread in a plastic bag or sealed container at room temperature for up to a couple of days, or it will start getting dry. For maximum freshness, slice the bread and freeze it in a zip-top plastic bag the same day you make it, after it has cooled.
Notes
Nutrition
(Recipe Source: Cooking with Mamma C)
Lu says
I never comment on recipes but this bread is so goated I just had to. I’ve tried several recipes that didnt taste right, but this was perfect. I also just used regular ap flour and it turned out great. Thanks!
Mamma C says
Hi Lu - I'm so glad you enjoyed this! Good to know the AP flour worked too. You're welcome!
Michelle Cobb says
Made this today to go with our Thanksgiving spread. It was a major hit with everyone! This may be our new everyday favorite sandwich bread! Love that I could just set it and let the machine do all the rest!
John says
This recipe is very good. My only problem is it tastes a little bland. Can I add a little extra salt? I took advantage of my makers DIY/Bake Cycle and baked it for and additional 15 minutes then brushed with melted butter. Perfectly golden brown. Also, I’m thinking of adding a little fresh grated/shredded cheese. When would I add this?
Thank you
Mamma C says
Hi John - You should be able to add a tiny bit of extra salt, as long as you keep it away from the yeast when it's added. Including cheese also will bring salty flavor, especially if it's Parmesan. You should be able to add the cheese with the flour.
Sylvia says
First time , i'll let you know
Mamma C says
Hi Sylvia - I hope you enjoyed it!